Fleming takes first 6-man loss this year

Official playoff brackets have been released following the close of the regular 6-man football season last week. The Fleming Wildcats have clinched the number two slot after going 7-2 overall this year with a loss to 8-man's top-ranked Haxtun and a more recent loss to 6-man's top-ranked Stratton. The Wildcats finished with an undefeated league record of 5-0.

Friday night's season closer brought top-ranked Stratton to Fleming for a showdown of number one versus number two. The Stratton Eagles opened with momentum and scored on their opening possession.

Fleming's opening possession resulted in injury for starting quarterback Braylen Feather and a fumble that was recovered by the Eagles for another touchdown. Braylen Feather was able to return to the game, but the Wildcats would be unable to catch up on the scoreboard.

By the end of the first quarter, Stratton had run up a 32-0 lead. The second quarter saw the addition of 21 unanswered for the Eagles and brought on a running clock for the remainder of the contest.

Fleming's defense held Stratton scoreless in the second half of the game, but the offense couldn't make up the difference on the scoreboard and the game closed at 53-13.

The Wildcat offense struggled in the contest giving up three turnovers on fumbles.

Leading rusher senior Nolan Japp - who averaged about 100 yards per game prior to last Friday's contest - managed just 47 yards on 17 carries in the season closer. Senior Blake Feather followed with 37 yards off five carries. He found the end zone on one of those campaigns for six points on the scoreboard.

Starting quarterback Braylen Feather completed one pass on three attempts for the night. Freshman Derek Houser saw some time under center. He went four for four throwing for 48 yards and a touchdown. He finished the game with a QB rating of 175.

Junior Wyatt Cochran led the Wildcats in receptions. He caught four passes for 44 yards.

Blake Feather and Japp topped the Wildcat defense with six tackles apiece. Feather brought down five solo and and one assisted. His defensive efforts also included a caused fumble. Japp split his tackles at four and two, respectively. Senior Kolten Houser added another five tackles to the tally while junior Matix Haney brought down four.

The completion of the season and the number-two playoff berth gives Fleming the home field advantage in the opening week of the post season. The Wildcats are set to host the 15th seeded Hanover Hornets on Saturday.

Hanover finished the year with a record nearly identical to the Wildcats'. They went undefeated, 5-0, in their league and 7-3 overall with all of their losses against 6-man opponents.